by Jordy van Gaalen

Beyond Actions

You can listen to today’s devotion by clicking this SoundCloud link. 

“For I desire mercy, not sacrifice, and acknowledgment of God rather than burnt offerings.”
Hosea 6:6 NIV

This is a matter of action versus heart. Our actions can be merely a ritual without the heart. How easy it is to fall into this. How often do things become routine. Cain’s sin was more about his heart posture than about the physical act. He slowly and possibly begrudgingly brought “some of the fruits of the soil” to God (Genesis 4:3). It was a half-hearted gesture.

God cares more about our attitude and motivation than the actions displayed for the world to see. What people see from the outside, is not how God perceives and judges. He desires that we are filled with love – love for our Heavenly Father and love for our Brothers and Sisters. 

“To love Him with all your heart, with all your understanding and with all your strength, and to love your neighbor as yourself is more important than all burnt offerings and sacrifices.”
Mark 12:33 NIV

The commandments are summed up in Love God and Love Your Neighbor. From these two, follow all else. When our heart posture is bent on love, the rest will follow. We won’t ever be perfect. That is where Jesus’ sacrifice covers all our sins and wayward ways. But love is what we are to pursue. Mercy is what we are to offer God. 

We might not be presenting burnt offerings to God today, but when we go to church on Sunday mornings and as we sit in the pew, let us remember who God is and why we are there. When we open our Bibles or get on our knees to pray, let us do so from a heart of mercy and love in response to His Almighty Greatness. When we rise, let us praise His name and remember the why, acknowledging our Creator and Father in the honor He deserves.

Copyright Holy Cross Lutheran Church, Colorado Springs, Colorado